Plainfield Athletic Club president charged with theft in DuPage County

The president of the Plainfield Athletic Club has been charged with stealing more than $100,000 in cash from the Lexus of Naperville car dealership, according to court and police records.

On Nov. 19, Michael S. Ruscitti, 45, of Plainfield was charged in DuPage County with theft between $100,000 and $500,000. He pleaded not guilty to the charge Dec. 17.

Naperville police Cmdr. Mike Son said in an email that Ruscitti is accused of stealing more than $100,000 in cash from Lexus of Naperville between July 2016 and April 2018.

As president, Ruscitti leads the Plainfield Athletic Club, a nonprofit baseball and softball organization. At least two parents involved with the Plainfield Athletic Club were concerned by news of the criminal case filed against Ruscitti.

Sean Lavery, the club’s vice president of softball, said Ruscitti has done a great job as president but should step down because the criminal case could hurt the organization.

“Unfortunately, with this cloud hanging above him, I think it’s best he walks away for the sake of the organization and our reputation,” Lavery said.

Jason Apt, a former president of the club and current parent volunteer, also said Ruscitti should step down.

“If I was indicted in that I would just step down, just because of the organization. You do not want to be in the news for that,” Apt said.

Messages and calls to Ruscitti were not returned.

Annette Wynne, executive vice president of the club, refused to comment about the criminal case.

“I’m going to end this call, thank you,” Wynne said before hanging up.

Lavery said that during a February board meeting for the club, Ruscitti announced he would step down after several parents found out about the case and voiced their concerns. However, he said, Ruscitti has continued in his role as president.

Lavery said he found out about Ruscitti’s case from another parent and he did some research to find out more information about it.

Apt said it’s always concerning when someone has been accused of stealing the amount of money Ruscitti has been charged with taking. The club’s president and treasurer have access and authority over the club’s financial accounts, he said.

Lavery said he feels Ruscitti should give up his position as president because, if he is found guilty of the charge, it “could hurt our organization.”